Bruins Trolled By NHL Fans for Game 5 Loss to Maple Leafs with Auston Matthews Out

The Boston Bruins had the chance to clinch a spot in the second round in overtime Tuesday night against a Toronto Maple Leafs team missing Auston Matthews.

They lost to Leafs rookie Matthew Knies instead.

Knies scored just over two minutes into overtime Tuesday night to seal a 2-1 overtime and extend the first-round series to six games.

The Bruins still hold a 3-2 series advantage.

Knies' game-winner came minutes after Bruins forward Charlie Coyle was robbed by Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll on a shot that would have ended the series and sent Boston to the second round.

The Bruins will now have to end the series during Game 6 in Toronto, or risk elimination themselves in a potential Game 7 back at home.

Boston's inability to close out in Game 5 reminded fans of the 2023 first round, when the Bruins blew a 3-1 series lead on their way to losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games:

Matthews, the NHL's leading goalscorer, was ruled out prior to the game due to what the team said was an illness.

Fans were particularly unimpressed with the Bruins' inability to beat the Leafs without the 2024 Rocket Richard winner. Matthews was instrumental in Toronto's last win over Boston, a 3-2 victory in Game 2 last Monday.

Trent Frederic scored Boston's lone goal of the night, while Jeremy Swayman made 31 saves as the Bruins were outshot 33-28.

The Bruins will get a second chance to close out the series Thursday when Game 6 takes place in Toronto.